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Connecting Statement:
Jesus begins to speak to the crowd about John the Baptist. He asks rhetorical questions to lead them to think about what John the Baptist is really like.
What ... A reed shaken by the wind?
This expects a negative answer. "Did you go out to see a reed shaken by the wind? Of course not!" It can also be written as a statement. AT: "Surely you did not go out to see a reed being shaken by the wind!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
A reed shaken by the wind
Possible meanings of this metaphor are 1) a person who easily changes his mind, as reeds are easily moved by the wind, or 2) a person who talks a lot but does not say anything important, as reeds rattle when the wind blows. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
But what ... A man dressed in soft clothes?
This also expects a negative answer, since John wore rough garments. "Did you go out to see a man dressed in soft clothes? Of course not!" This can also be written as a statement. AT: You certainly did not go out to see a man dressed in soft clothes!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
dressed in soft clothes
This refers to expensive clothing. Normal clothing was rough. AT: "wearing expensive clothing" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)
kings' palaces
A palace is a large, expensive house that a king lives in.
But what ... A prophet?
This leads to a positive answer. "Did you go out to see a prophet? Of course you did!" This can also be written as a statement. AT: "But you actually went out to see a prophet!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
Yes, I say to you
Jesus says this to emphasize the importance of what he will say next.
more than a prophet
This phrase means that John was indeed a prophet, but that he was even greater than a typical prophet. AT: "not just an ordinary prophet" or "much more important than a normal prophet"